as in bought
made beforehand in large numbers
she chose to have her computer designed to her specifications rather than buying an off-the-shelf machine
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Recent Examples of off-the-shelf
The implication was that there could be an easily accessible, off-the-shelf shot capable of stimulating the immune system to fight cancer.
—
Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
As a result, many have opted for customized furniture instead of off-the-shelf items.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
And the cruise lines aren’t just accessing off-the-shelf solutions.
—Fran Golden, AFAR Media, 29 Oct. 2025
In recent months, Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for the Orion orbiter that will be the mothership for any lunar landing, has been mobilizing to put together a group of a dozen other industry players who would build a lunar lander from, essentially, off-the-shelf parts.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for off-the-shelf
Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
As a result, many have opted for customized furniture instead of off-the-shelf items.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
And the cruise lines aren’t just accessing off-the-shelf solutions.
—Fran Golden, AFAR Media, 29 Oct. 2025
In recent months, Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for the Orion orbiter that will be the mothership for any lunar landing, has been mobilizing to put together a group of a dozen other industry players who would build a lunar lander from, essentially, off-the-shelf parts.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for off-the-shelf
Recent Examples of Synonyms for off-the-shelf
Adjective
-
The chain said that refunds would be available to patrons who had pre-bought tickets.—
Patrick Frater,
Variety,
14 July 2022
-
Cineplex has also begun offering refunds to all customers that pre-bought tickets for upcoming film screenings.—
Etan Vlessing,
The Hollywood Reporter,
3 Jan. 2022
Adjective
-
More than 82% of new space last year was built for traditional, specialty and super-store grocers.—
Brian Womack,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
By then, store interior displays were as critical as the windows, reflecting each city’s unique take on the holiday season with decorations ranging from subdued to outrageous.—
Tonya Blazio-Licorish,
Footwear News,
23 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Off-the-shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/off-the-shelf. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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